Page 29 of Nothing Special X: The Last Stand

He’d been so sure the investment would’ve quadrupled in return.

But the recession never ended, and the show had been a disaster.

Half-empty crowds with lint-filled pockets, and no dealers or big buyers.

Nobody wanted tricked-out custom bikes when they were struggling to afford gas and groceries.

Now the shop takings barely covered the overhead, and the love of his life—a decorated police sergeant—was out delivering goddamn cheeseburgers.

Furi pressed both palms against his eyes.

It was killing Syn, but most of all it was killing Furi watching it.

Which meant he had to do something…anything.

Partners sacrificed for each other like Syn already had for him.

Now it was his turn.

Furi pulled out his phone and stared at it.

He hovered his thumb over the contact for nearly five full minutes before he hit call.

The line rang twice.

“Illustra,” a woman answered. “How can I help you?”

Furi’s voice caught in his throat.

Silence.

“Hello? This is Illustra.”

He stared at the floor.

“Um…can I speak to Mack?”

“I’m sorry, he’s currently in a meet—”

“Tell him it’s Furious Styles.”

It was her turn to be silent before she blurted. “One—one second please.”

The line clicked, then exploded with energy seconds later.

“Furi, my boy! It’s good to hear from you.” Mack roared loud enough to hurt his ears.

Furi shut his eyes and ignored the excitement, cutting right to the chase. “Does your offer still stand?”

Mack laughed like the jackal he was. “Fuck yeah it does.”

“Triple it.”

“Done.”

Furi hung up without saying goodbye. He gripped the phone tight in his hand, anxiety weighing heavy in his chest.

Syn was going to lose his damn mind when he found out what he’d agreed to do, but by the time he did, it’d already be done.